Richard "Rick" Wayne Peterson

Richard "Rick" W. Peterson, age 65, of Willmar, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 31, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  A social gathering will follow the Prayer Service at the Eagle's Club in downtown Willmar.  Since Rick was an avid MN Vikings fan, all attending are asked to wear Vikings colors or attire.  Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, at the First Lutheran Cemetery of Norway Lake.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Richard "Rick" Wayne Peterson was born on September 20, 1958, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Harold and Karen (Vogt) Peterson.  He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1976.  On May 22, 1980, Rick was married to Mary Jane Strom and they made their home in Minneapolis.  In 2000, they moved to Willmar and Rick enrolled in the drafting program at Ridgewater Community College  He was employed as a Draftsman at Dahmes Stainless, Inc. in New London and retired early due to health reasons.  Rick loved to fish, hunt and play pool.  His passion for fishing was apparent in his final days.  He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle's (Aerie #2334) where he was a two time past President and Ritual Team Member and a past President of District #3.  Rick was a loving husband, father and the greatest grandpa.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary of Willmar; two daughters, Brittany Peterson of Willmar and Jenna (and Kyle) Brethorst of Willmar; five grandchildren, Parker, Deacon, Dawson, Landon and Brielle; and two siblings, Melody "Missy" Goodall (and Loren) of Atwater and Travis Chekel (and Brianna) of Garner, IA., besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Lena Vogt; two brothers, Timothy "Tiny" Peterson and Jeff Miller; and his parents-in-law, Melvin and Audrey Strom.